Singer-songwriter Carolyn Marie will be playing a pre-show concert in Hershey in March, before iconic '80s star Sylvia takes the stage.

Marie, a South Central Pa. native, began songwriting as a young girl, playing the piano and singing. She also studied the performing arts, landing her first professional job at the Music Box Theatre in Hershey, playing lead roles in "Annie", "Cabaret", "Grease" and "The Wizard of Oz".

After moving to New York City and graduating from the American Musical Dramatic Academy, Marie was cast in several productions, including the role as Veronica in the Archies 25th Anniversary tour. The tour opened up for such notable artists as The Commodores, Edgar Winter, REO Speedwagon and Winger.

Today, she continues to follow her true passion for writing songs in a story-telling format. "It wasn't until about eight years ago that I really got back into songwriting in a different way," she said. "I began with songwriting, so it's funny how life takes you full circle."

With a faith-based style of writing music, Carolyn Marie said she begins her writing first with prayer, develops a theme and then composes the music and lyrics. "I do feel strongly about my writing and having a real God driven purpose," she said. "My songs range in styles from Country-Pop to Adult Contemporary. They all have somewhat of a faith-based message in it."

Carolyn Marie currently has 12 originally composed songs with her debut album Dream Dance. She will be debuting her album for the first time in public, promoting herself as a songwriter. Carolyn Marie hopes that taking the stage will not only be an inspiration to others, but also get her songs into the hands of major recording artists.

"Her music is organic and soulful and it speaks directly to the heart of the listener," said Kirk Reese, a professor of music at Messiah College, who has played the piano on countless recordings, including Dream Dance and The Reese Project: Blue Etude, which received a Grammy nomination in 2002.

Carolyn Marie said she is excited to be appearing at the Hershey Area Playhouse, 830 Cherry Drive, Hershey, Pa., with singers Robert Doll and Chrystal Greiner, as well as pianist Kirk Reese, playing a pre-show before '80s star Sylvia takes the stage with multi-instrumentalist John Mock, opening for and accompanying Sylvia.

About USA Theatres: USA Theatres is an organization that promotes concerts, conventions and drive-in and outdoor movie events in central Pa. Founded in 2007, USA Theatres exhibits faith-based, morally-driven and family-friendly programming. On the Web: www.usatheatres.com.